A SERIES of arrests have been made in Birmingham and Solihull as part of a nationwide investigation into money laundering.

Officers from the Serious Organised Crime Agency arrested three people from Birmingham and another three in Solihull, at 7am on Tuesday.

One of the addresses searched was a property in Widney Manor Road in Solihull.

Six further people were arrested in London, High Wycombe, Rochdale, Manchester and Oldham.

A spokesman from the agency said: “In relation to a money laundering investigation, officers from the Serious Organised Crime Agency and a number of police forces this morning searched addresses in Birmingham, London, Rochdale, High Wycombe, Oldham and Manchester.

“Twelve people were arrested and are now being questioned by SOCA at police stations in Birmingham and Manchester.

“Another three men who are believed to be illegal immigrants were found at some of the premises and are being dealt with by the UK Border Agency.”